Name: Cheesy Beef Goulash - Easy One-Pot Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef (90% lean); 1 ½ cup elbow macaroni noodles, uncooked; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 ½ cups beef broth; 1 15-oz can tomato sauce; 1 15-oz can petite diced tomatoes (undrained); 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Cheesy One-Pot American Goulash is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a nostalgic trip back to comfort food classics, and the ultimate weeknight savior. Who doesn’t adore a dish that comes together in a single pot, minimizing both cooking time and dishwashing drama? This particular version elevates the humble goulash to new, utterly delicious heights with the addition of glorious cheese, creating a melty, gooey topping that will have everyone beggin extractg for seconds. What truly sets our Cheesy One-Pot American Goulash apart is the perfect balance of savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, tomato-infused sauce, all simmered together until every flavor melds into pure bliss. It’s the kind of meal that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a guaranteed hit for families of all ages.

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef (90% lean)
1 ½ cup elbow macaroni noodles, uncooked
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 ½ cups beef broth
1 15-oz can tomato sauce
1 15-oz can petite diced tomatoes (undrained)
2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics

Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the 1 lb. of ground beef. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Drain off any excess grease from the pot. This step is crucial for a less oily finished dish and a better texture. We want rich flavor, not greasiness.
Add the diced medium onion and diced green bell pepper to the pot with the browned beef. Stir well and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onion becomes translucent. This sweating of the vegetables will release their natural sweetness and aromas, forming a flavorful base for our goulash.
Stir in the 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for just 1 minute more until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter taste to your dish. A quick toast is all it needs to unlock its pungent flavor.

Simmer and Develop Flavors

Pour in the 2 ½ cups of beef broth, 1 (15-oz) can of tomato sauce, and 1 (15-oz) can of petite diced tomatoes (undrained). The undrained tomatoes will add extra liquid and flavor to the pot, so don’t drain them!
Add the 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure all the seasonings are well distributed throughout the mixture.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating that classic, comforting goulash taste.

Cook the Pasta and Finish

Uncover the pot and stir in the 1 ½ cups of uncooked elbow macaroni noodles. Make sure the noodles are submerged in the liquid as much as possible. If it seems a bit dry, you can add an extra ¼ cup of beef broth or water, but generally, the liquid from the tomatoes and broth is sufficient.
Increase the heat slightly to medium-low, maintaining a gentle simmer. Cover the pot again and cook for another 12-15 minutes, or until the macaroni noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. It’s important to stir gently so you don’t break the noodles.
Once the pasta is cooked through and the goulash has thickened to your desired consistency, carefully remove and discard the bay leaves. They’ve done their job infusing flavor and are no longer needed.
Now for the best part – the cheese! While not explicitly listed in the initial ingredients, a Cheesy One-Pot American Goulash isn’t complete without it. Stir in about 1 to 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar-jack blend) until it’s fully melted and gloriously incorporated into the goulash. This will give it that signature creamy, cheesy texture.

Conclusion:

There you have it – a truly satisfying and surprisingly simple Cheesy One-Pot American Goulash! This recipe is all about bringin extractg comfort and flavor to your table with minimal fuss. We’ve shown you how easy it is to create a hearty, cheesy meal in a single pot, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving that classic, nostalgic taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this Cheesy One-Pot American Goulash your own!

For serving suggestions, this goulash is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping up every last delicious drop. If you’re looking for variations, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of depth, a dash of hot sauce for a little kick, or even some diced bell peppers along with the onions for added color and nutrients. We encourage you to give this Cheesy One-Pot American Goulash a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Cheesy One-Pot American Goulash ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavors of this Cheesy One-Pot American Goulash often meld and deepen beautifully when made a day in advance. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might want to add a splash of water or broth if it seems a little thick after refrigerating, and stir in the cheese just before serving to ensure it’s perfectly melted and gooey.

What kind of ground meat works best for Cheesy One-Pot American Goulash?

While ground beef is traditional and delicious, you can also use ground turkey or a blend of ground beef and beef for a slightly different flavor profile. Just ensure the fat content isn’t too lean, as a little fat helps carry the flavors and adds to the richness of the Cheesy One-Pot American Goulash.